Need opinion on new camcorder!

[KatyMac]

Hey, gang! I need the opinion of the all-knowing budget borders. I am trying to decide on which camcorder to purchase, and just can't make a decision. Can anyone offer any opinions on the 2 models listed below? TIA

Canon - VIXIA 8.0MP High-Definition Digital Camcorder HF S

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9239521&type=product&id=1218065984222

Sony - 12.1MP Handycam High-Definition Camcorder w/120GB Hard Drive and 3.2" LCD Screen HDR-XR500V

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9178418&type=product&id=1218046368353

 

[KatyMac]

Anyone?

 

[The Iron Giant]

Those are pretty expensive camcorders... what will you be using it for?

The reason I ask is that you could spend half that and still get a very good HD camcorder.

 

[4 DZNY NUTZ]

Those are pretty expensive camcorders... what will you be using it for?

The reason I ask is that you could spend half that and still get a very good HD camcorder.

I agree...I would never pay that much for a camcorder

 

[loonytoony]

Hey, gang! I need the opinion of the all-knowing budget borders. I am trying to decide on which camcorder to purchase, and just can't make a decision. Can anyone offer any opinions on the 2 models listed below? TIA

Canon - VIXIA 8.0MP High-Definition Digital Camcorder HF S

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9239521&type=product&id=1218065984222

Sony - 12.1MP Handycam High-Definition Camcorder w/120GB Hard Drive and 3.2" LCD Screen HDR-XR500V

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9178418&type=product&id=1218046368353

Go to the photography board here. They likely will have better opinions.

 

[donald&daisy]

I also recommend going to cnet.com to their message boards. The people there are so knowlegable and friendly. I originally ask for (and recieved) a camcorder that recorded directly to small dvds, but I quickly realized that this wasn't what I really wanted and ended up getting a miniDV camcorder which, although it was older technology, I find it so much easier to use and more accessible b/c it has been around a long time.

 

[stevensn9317]

That is a lot for a camcorder..

 

[KatyMac]

Thanks, guys. I appreciate it!

 

[aprhj]

My suggestion would be to go to the stores, we purchased a camcorder in April and the stores had a few of last year's models and displays at a great deal, I think our HH Gregg had the Vixia from last year for under $800. Now with that being said, we were out of the High Def. pricerange, but I had looked at cnet and epinions and the Visia rated high. I had intended to purchase a Canon FS200, records to Hard Drive or SD card, but they did not have any in stock due to just being released. I did purchase a Sony with an 60 or 80 gig internal hard drive also with the option to record to a memory stick and have had great results with it. Sorry don't have the make and model because its at home. It retails for around $399, we worked a deal at HH Gregg and got it for 15% off.

Good luck in choosing and if the $ was not a factor I would have definitely purchased a High Def. just could not justify as we are the only ones in our family with a high def tv. I also read that some of the high def software was hard to work with and the size of the files were an issue with some computers.

 

[nd5056]

Anyone?

I own a Flash Memory Sony CX7 cam and I love it. But it’s cost more to buy Memory Sticks then SD cards. You need those supporting sustained High Speed data transfer rate. Also, theoretically you can, but… you can’t just plug the media into your card reader and copy files for few reasons, you need to transfer it with your camcorder plugged in.

HD based cams are sensitive to rough handling, the HD may malfunction…

Read more opinions HERE:

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[foodlover_US]

I agree they are quite expensive and I’d love to have a Sony unit - the GPS stuff is nice, the flip-out LCD is nice and all, but once you take it outside, it's a pain to use in sunlight, and sucks battery life. I would have gotten a Canon, since they have the progressive video modes, but an EVF is a must for me.

You can also look around at Samsung camcorders H series - HMX-H104 HD camcorder which features a 2.2 mega-pixel, 1/4.5" CMOS imaging sensor to capture full HD video at 1920 x 1080 lines of resolution, image stabilization and 10x optical zoom. They utilize H.264 compression, which significantly increases recording time.

 

[homedad]

I would go with the sony, they have great low light capabilities and the ease of use is great. I love my canon POS camera but stick to sony when possible for camcorders. I bought a panasonic 3 years ago to replace my sony, I like the panasonic, but loved my sony.....